Caffeine and Weight Loss

Many people have the popular misconception that caffeine will help them lose weight. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Drinking caffeinated beverages or taking pills containing caffeine ultimately stimulates increased appetite for sweets and fatty foods. Caffeine triggers a roller coaster ride of elevated blood sugar and stress hormones that thwarts people's efforts on a diet to stick to their regime.

People can achieve balanced blood sugar, lower their stress and and stabilize their hormone levels if they avoid caffeine and sugar. Kicking the caffeine habit with Teeccino helps them avoid triggering appetite cravings.

A natural energy boost is important during dieting. Teeccino provides a lift from nutrients, not stimulants, that keeps energy steady and stable as opposed to caffeinated energy spikes followed by crashes.

A full-bodied hot beverage that is low in calories and yet has a natural sweetness helps satisfy the urge for a dessert. Many people on a diet drink a mug of Teeccino as their "treat" for a snack or after a meal.

A mug of Teeccino provides a full feeling that keeps dieters from wanting to eat more.

Our mission at Teeccino is to support people who want to achieve optimal health. We have compiled scientific studies to educate you about the effects of caffeine and coffee on weight loss. Carrying excess weight not only hastens early mortality, but being overweight is associated with many chronic diseases, including: diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and increased incidence of cancer. (NIH, 2003) If your goal is to lose weight, we invite you to read the scientific research below and consider kicking the caffeine habit with Teeccino.

If you are trying to lose weight, it is a good idea to avoid coffee and other sources of caffeine in order to reduce potential stress. Caffeine increases the reactivity of the body to the stress of everyday life and increased levels of stress negatively affect weight loss. (Lane et al, 2002)

Caffeine Stimulates Appetite

Although caffeine is included as an ingredient in many weight-loss aids, it actually stimulates appetite, and organizations including the Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic, 2003) discourage the use of caffeine as a weight-loss aid. Initially, caffeine may decrease appetite through its central nervous system response. However subsequently, higher levels of cortisol caused by caffeine consumption stimulate appetite. (Takeda et al, 2004) (Epel et al, 2001)

Caffeine triggers hypoglycemia through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal glands, causing an immediate and sustained constriction of blood vessels, decreased circulation to the brain and a heightened feeling of low blood sugar. (Kerr et al, 1993)

A chronic state of increased stress is associated with a markedly increased tendency to overeat. Anxiety caused by caffeine stimulating the central nervous system increases the tendency of people to overeat or binge-eat and abuse laxatives and diet pills. (Krahn et al, 1991) (Livermore, 1991)

Coffee drinking increases physiological measurements of stress, and although this effect is greater with increased caffeine levels, decaffeinated coffee may also influence stress as factors other than caffeine in coffee are associated with stress. (Quinlan et al, 2000)

Elevation of stress hormones leads to fat cravings (Castonquay, 1991)

Elevated levels of cortisol increase appetite (Takeda et al, 2004)

Increased Cortisol Levels Lead to Abdominal Obesity

Chronically elevated blood cortisol levels that are caused by frequent stress or regular caffeine or coffee intake lead to an increased buildup of fat in the abdominal area; this type of weight gain further stimulates the release of additional stress hormones. (Dallman et al, 2004)

A well documented relationship exists between chronically elevated levels of stress hormones and deposition of excess fat in the abdomen leading to obesity as well as increased caloric intake, particularly increased ingestion of fats and sugars (Bjorntorp, 2001)

Caffeine Interferes with Calming Neurotransmitters

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter naturally produced in the brain and nervous system as well as the heart. It plays an important role in mood and stress management and influences a person's sense of well-being.

Caffeine has been found to interfere with binding of GABA to GABA receptors, preventing it from performing its calming function (Roca et al, 1988) GABA’s role in stress management is compromised in the presence of caffeine, and increased physiological and psychological stress lead to overeating as well as difficulties losing weight.

A number of diets such as The Fat Flush Plan by Ann Louise Gittleman, The Rosedale Dietby Ron Rosedale, M.D., and The Perricone Prescription by Nicholas Perricone, M.D. advise their followers to quit caffeine as a part of their weight loss program.